School Lunches

Nutritiously delicious school meals are available for our pupils each day, cooked by our excellent kitchen staff right here on the premises.

School meals are be prepared by Principals Catering and are cooked in our kitchen. Children eat in groups of six to eight children with an older child taking some responsibility for younger pupils. Children are expected to eat the food chosen.

It is possible for children to choose a packed lunch or school meals on different days, however we would ask that parents commit to a regular pattern for a six week term. (We can no longer allow children to change their meal order week by week.)

Only complete and return a form if you are making a change to your child’s lunch arrangements otherwise we will assume your child is having the same arrangements as last term.

It is important that we have up to date information about specific allergies.

Please note that if your child does not have a school meal on a date already booked, because of a trip or illness, you will not be charged for this day and the amount will be held in credit.

Our school meals cost £2.20 each, £11.00 weekly.

KS1 meals are free.

Free School Meals

Universal Free School Meals
From September 2014, significant changes started happening to school food: cooking is back on the curriculum, and as a result all children in Year 2 or below get free school meals.

It is still important to register your child for free school meals, even if they are in year 2 or below, if you are in receipt of certain benefits. The school can get some additional money to support their learning if they register. For more information speak to staff in the school office or apply online.

In addition, from January 2015, new food standards were introduced. These are three of the 16 actions in the School Food Plan, which aims to transform what children eat in schools and how they learn about food (see http://www.schoolfoodplan.com).

Year 3 or above
For children under 19 and in full-time education, you may be able to get free school meals for them. The quickest and easiest way to apply for school meals is to apply online https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/kent/ (Eligibility will be checked and the application processed straight away). If you are unable to apply online please obtain the free school meals application form from the school office. You do not need to send any proof of benefit with your application, but you may be asked for proof of benefit if there is a query around eligibility.

Packed lunches

Children may bring a packed lunch to school if this is preferred, and this will be eaten in the dining room. Packed lunches should include a non-fizzy drink in a suitable container. Straws and spoons should be supplied from home if these are required.

Why is healthy eating important?

A balanced diet is essential for good health and vitality. By eating well at lunchtime, pupils gain a host of benefits, both short and long-term.

As a school we take seriously our responsibilities and we believe that we make a positive contribution to both the “Every Child Matters” agenda and the “Healthy Schools Award”.

The Government’s aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances to have the support they need to:

Be healthy.

Stay Safe.

Enjoy and Achieve.

Make a positive contribution.

Achieve economic wellbeing.

For lunchbox ideas, tips for fussy eaters and healthy eating for your child, please have a look at the Loveable Lunchboxes campaign website, this is an information hub full of information and tips from nutrition professionals, which you can find here: http://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/loveable-lunchboxes